From Passion to Plate: A Conversation with Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari

An Exclusive Interview with Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari restaurant, a prominent Indian restaurant brand

In this insightful interview, Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari Restaurant, shares the inspiring journey behind one of India’s most admired culinary brands.

He delves into the restaurant’s vision, creative philosophy, and commitment to preserving authentic flavors while innovating for modern diners.

What inspired you to start Karigari, and how did the concept take shape?

Manish Sharma: The inspiration behind Karigari stemmed from a deep desire to celebrate the true       craftsmanship of Indian cuisine.

When we began conceptualizing the restaurant, we asked ourselves how can we create a space where every dish feels like an artwork and every dining experience feels personal and soulful? That’s when the idea of Karigari which means craftsmanship

While Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi brings his culinary mastery to the table, the vision from our end was to build a fine-dining destination that beautifully blends authenticity with innovation.

We wanted to go beyond just serving food; our goal was to curate emotions on a plate, to highlight forgotten regional flavours, and to present them with a sense of pride and elegance.

Karigari took shape through countless conversations about Indian heritage, artistry, and hospitality. The ambience, the plating, the service, and the menu everything has been thoughtfully designed to honour the ‘karigars’ behind every culinary creation. For us, Karigari is not just a restaurant it’s a celebration of the art of Indian dining.

How would you describe Karigari’s culinary philosophy?

Manish Sharma: At Karigari, our culinary philosophy is rooted in honouring tradition while embracing innovation.

We believe that food should tell a story of culture, craft, and emotion. Every dish we create is inspired by India’s rich culinary heritage, but presented with a fresh, contemporary touch that appeals to today’s discerning diners.

For us, it’s not just about serving a meal; it’s about curating an experience. We pay close attention to the finest ingredients, authentic techniques, and artistic presentation to ensure that every plate reflects the spirit of “Karigari”  craftsmanship.

Our aim is to celebrate Indian cuisine in its purest form while elevating it with creativity, finesse, and global sensibility.

What qualities do you look for in chefs and staff at Karigari?

Manish Sharma: At Karigari, our team is the heart of the experience we create. When selecting chefs and staff, we look beyond technical skills to find individuals who embody our spirit of craftsmanship, care, and creativity.

In our culinary team, we value passion for the art of cooking, respect for ingredients and tradition, consistency, innovation, and teamwork chefs who don’t just cook but curate experiences.

In our hospitality team, we look for warmth, attention to detail, composure under pressure, refined communication, and a genuine desire to make every guest feel cared for.

Above all, we seek people who live the Karigari philosophy where every act, every plate, and every gesture is crafted with heart.

What kind of dining experience do you want guests to have at Karigari?

Manish Sharma: At Karigari, we aspire to offer more than just a meal  we aim to create a thoughtfully crafted experience where every guest feels part of a journey celebrating Indian artistry.

From the moment they step in, we want them to feel a connection to the roots of Indian flavours, reimagined through a refined, modern lens. Our hospitality is warm and attentive, with every detail  from the ambiance to the service  designed to make guests feel personally cared for.

Each dish tells a story, sparking curiosity, conversation, and delight, leaving behind memories that go beyond taste.

Blending comfort with sophistication, Karigari embodies fine dining with a soul  inviting, unpretentious, and rich in cultural warmth. When guests leave, we want them to remember not just what they ate, but how it made them feel.

Do you plan to expand the brand to other cities or global markets?

Manish Sharma: At this stage, we are fully focused on nurturing Karigari into a benchmark for fine dining and hospitality where every detail reflects craftsmanship, culture, and culinary excellence. However, the vision for Karigari has always been larger than a single location.

Yes, there is definitely a long-term plan to expand the brand into other major cities and, eventually, to global markets. But for us, expansion is not about numbers it’s about maintaining the soul of Karigari wherever we go. Each new outlet should carry the same warmth, authenticity, and elevated experience that our guests associate with the brand.

As the foundation becomes stronger and the brand culture is deeply ingrained in our team and operations, we would love to take Karigari to cities across India and even international destinations where people appreciate Indian culinary artistry presented with global finesse.

For us, growth will be meaningful, not rushed every new Karigari should feel like a handcrafted experience, just like its name suggests.

What advice would you give to aspiring restaurateurs and hospitality leaders?

Manish Sharma: Entering the hospitality industry is not just about serving great food it is about creating moments, building relationships, and delivering experiences that people carry with them.

My advice to aspiring restaurateurs is to begin with a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose. Trends will come and go, but a strong philosophy, rooted in authenticity and guest satisfaction, becomes your guiding compass.

Commit to excellence in every detail whether it’s sourcing ingredients, training your team, or understanding your guests’ preferences. Surround yourself with a passionate team and invest in their growth, because hospitality is a people-driven business.

Technology, design, and marketing can elevate a brand, but it is the warmth of service and consistency of quality that builds loyalty.

Also, be prepared for resilience. This industry demands long hours, patience, and the ability to adapt quickly.

Learn to listen to your guests, your team, and even to the challenges, because they shape your journey. And above all, never lose the joy of creating. When your intention is to delight people, success follows naturally.

Manish Sharma’s story reflects how passion, innovation, and heritage blend seamlessly at Karigari. His journey continues to inspire India’s evolving food culture.

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